1
2
as in to cream
slang
to defeat by a large margin
I can't believe I bet on a football team that ended up getting waxed 45-0
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
the commitment of the young volunteers to the cause seems to wax and wane
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wax
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
The geomagnetic storms waxed and waned throughout the night, creating a dynamic celestial fireworks show that stretched well into the new year.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
This year spectators will have to contend with a nearly full, bright waxing gibbous moon, which may spoil the best views of the meteors by outshining them, per experts.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024
Moonlight should not interfere with viewing the Quadrantids this year, as Earth’s natural satellite will be in its waxing crescent phase and just 11 percent full, per the American Meteor Society.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wax 
Verb
The smash peaked at No. 2 on the list of the top-selling songs on vinyl, and just one space lower on the roster that focuses on all forms of sales on physical formats (which includes vinyl, but which isn’t exclusive to wax).
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
The geomagnetic storms waxed and waned throughout the night, creating a dynamic celestial fireworks show that stretched well into the new year.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
This year spectators will have to contend with a nearly full, bright waxing gibbous moon, which may spoil the best views of the meteors by outshining them, per experts.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024
Moonlight should not interfere with viewing the Quadrantids this year, as Earth’s natural satellite will be in its waxing crescent phase and just 11 percent full, per the American Meteor Society.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wax
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Cite this Entry
“Wax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wax. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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